#2's
- Thread starter panzeron
- Start date
JerseyBoatBuilder
Well-known member
Bits and removable shank blades in a ratcheting screw driver.
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ I gave sets of those blue-handled "Megadora" models out as "Secret Santa" gifts. Recipients were more than happy with them.
Personally I prefer Vessel's "Ball Grip" model on the P2 - easier on old hands.
Personally I prefer Vessel's "Ball Grip" model on the P2 - easier on old hands.
I look for the laser tip Wera. I have tested dozens of screwdrivers for use all day in mfg environments and they always come out as everyone's favorite. Way less likely to strip screws and most likely to work on already partially stripped ones. Plus need less grip strength/force because they hold so well.
M.Brane
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I've had one of those Kleins for decades. Despite being worn it doesn't slip. It lives in my electrical kit.
alwaysFlOoReD
Well-known member
I look for a Robertson tip. The only place for Philips is when you want the driver to cam out, like a drywall screw.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
I have drywall specific bits... I would need to check my notes to see who made them, but I know for sure I have some from vessel and some from zephyr.
I think I have some from either proto or Tekton... Didn't feel like checking. For sure Tekton does not sell then now.
I'm new to the Wera laser tips . I had a set of the chisel drivers that I really like . Had to try the laser tips , they are great . Seem to dig into the screw and won't ket go . I'm a big fan of the Wera kraftform handles too.
I have a bunch of Kliens from the 90's all are still screwing . I've heard bad things about the newer klein drivers . That their quality has dipped . Many people claiming that the rubber grip is slipping . The one's I have , flutes in the handle where the rubber fits in . Not sure how it could slip. Did they stop putting the flutes in the handle , do they just glue the rubber on the new one's?
Here's a pic of what I'm talking about
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Ohio Andy
Well-known member
Craftsman made a set like that. Actually kind of like them. I brought mine off eBay. I don't know if they're still available in stores. Snap-on make spits like that. Kind of pricey though. But then again it's snap on...
Wamsutta
Well-known member
I've never had a Vessel in my hand so can't comment on those.
Looking at your collection, I would instinctively reach for the PB Swiss or the Klein.
Looking at your collection, I would instinctively reach for the PB Swiss or the Klein.
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ game-changer stuff. their "ball grip" is what sold me. if you have old hands this is just the ticket.
you can buy in pretty cheap - $12 bucks - you'll never look back:
I have a Craftsman set that I think you are describing. They have gray handles. The tips are not laser etched, they have DIAMONDS bonded to the tips. They actually work fantastic.
pcrov
Well-known member
So who's got the ball grip and laser/diamond tip?
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
Yes, exactly that... I had low expectations for how much I would like them and I really do like them. Not my favorite handle, but they work really well. Sadly, I only know how to buy them on eBay these days.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
I really dislike them so I got rid of all my standard size drivers from them. Them love their minis though caught a bunch of those.
Most people I know seem to like them. I gave them all to a friend of mine who absolutely loves them,
four.cycle
Well-known member
You're not going to have any issues with Vessel's "ball grip" on their P1 and P2 Phillips (or any of their other P1 or P2 models, for that matter.)
Vessel's Phillips tips are one of the best things they have going for them. No more of that stupid "cam out" nonsense.
The other one I grabbed was that goofy "glow in the dark" model they put out. Love the handle, but I don't generally find myself turning screws in the dark.
four.cycle
Well-known member
Look at a Bosch P2R2 You may find a new love
pcrov
Well-known member
Do they do well gripping old (sometimes very) abused/clogged fasteners? I've heard real good things about diamond tipped for these and they're my #1 (or #2 I guess) enemy.
four.cycle
Well-known member
For that you want their "Impacta" line - but they are not tools you would want to use on your Corvette or other vintage machine - they have a tendency to damage fasteners.
It's for that reason when this question comes up (which it does about every 60 or 90 days) I recommend the "Megadora" model - all around seems to get the most favorable reviews here. Full sets can be had for about $50-$60 bucks if you shop around.
I've been using old-school "hard handle" models for over 50 years. They were fine when I was 19. Now - not so much.
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American Locomotive
Well-known member
I really like the Vessel "wood composite" or "woody" as they were originally called screwdrivers. In a past job, there were often hoseclamps that needed undoing inside tanks of oil, and the Weras we had elsewhere in the shop should just slip in your hands. The Vessels just gripped.
fit like a glove..Wera makes diamond infused bits. The sets are pricey . I've never tried the , but their regular bits are pretty good .
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ I have not had one of those models in hand but they get high marks here from the guys who own them.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
I absolutely love my vessel megadors, they have great knurling they feel nice in the hand... But if they're going to get dirty or grungy grab harsh chemicals, I reach for those wood handled ones. They're decent. They feel well in the hand, and they can handle the abuse and the grunge and the dirt and the oil... For those applications, things like my PB Swiss for my megadors are right out.
M.Brane
ALLIANCE MEMBER
What I meant about it not slipping is the tip. It still gets a good purchase on the screw heads despite having obvious wear. The Rubber grip cover has never even tried to slip. I suspect it's bonded to the handle at this point.
I own many screwdrivers, and it's still one of my favorites.
MichaelP
Well-known member
After reading the title of the thread, I was sure it was about laxatives.
But I cannot argue that, in a pinch, a good screwdriver, especially impact one, can be served as a stool softener.
But I cannot argue that, in a pinch, a good screwdriver, especially impact one, can be served as a stool softener.
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four.cycle
Well-known member
^ I was not aware Wera was doing a "ball grip" model. Do they make a full range in that style? (Slotted/Phillips?)WaveBlasterer
Member
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2025
- Messages
- 14
Could not agree more. Wera's precision handles are fantastic. Don't get along as well with the larger handles, but the quality is there.
Beerhippie
Well-known member
I find Phillips screwdrivers indispensable for unscrewing Phillips screws.
For most of my uses, I prefer a handle that doesn't roll--square is best. I'm often working from ladders or on uneven surfaces.
But for shop bench use, I have one old wood-handle Vessel ball-grip in 3/8" slotted that I really like.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
I have wished for years that one of the quality screwdriver manufacturers would make a reduced tip profile PH screwdriver set.
I’ll often use a reduced tip bit. Generically known as a P2R.
Apex 446-2X is a really good one.
I use my 6” Vessel variation frequently too.
My go-to is a P2R-ACR bit with anti-cam “teeth” on the tip.
All of these lend themselves to kinda wedging in the screw.
I find in general use they just grip better than a regular PH.
-They are a lifesaver on screws that have been painted over, where a regular screwdriver will often slip.
-On certain fasteners they tend to do less damage since they primarily drive the inner portion of the recess.
-I have also found the smaller diameter more favorable to work at a slight angle, like when access to the fastener is off center which usually causes a regular PH to camout. Similar to how a ball-end hex/torx works. Like when replacing a door knob.
P2R-ACR in the middle:
I’ll often use a reduced tip bit. Generically known as a P2R.
Apex 446-2X is a really good one.
I use my 6” Vessel variation frequently too.
My go-to is a P2R-ACR bit with anti-cam “teeth” on the tip.
All of these lend themselves to kinda wedging in the screw.
I find in general use they just grip better than a regular PH.
-They are a lifesaver on screws that have been painted over, where a regular screwdriver will often slip.
-On certain fasteners they tend to do less damage since they primarily drive the inner portion of the recess.
-I have also found the smaller diameter more favorable to work at a slight angle, like when access to the fastener is off center which usually causes a regular PH to camout. Similar to how a ball-end hex/torx works. Like when replacing a door knob.
P2R-ACR in the middle:
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Not sure if these are what you're talking about . I came across a few of these in a box of random bits I have . Not even sure where I got them . They're marked Apex 996 2px . Thought they were #1's at first because of the size . They are clearly marked #2 . I've tried them on #2 screws and they work great . They sit deep in the pocket of the screw head , and they don't let go . The top one is a Pb Swiss ph2 for referenceI have wished for years that one of the quality screwdriver manufacturers would make a reduced tip profile PH screwdriver set.
I’ll often use a reduced tip bit. Generically known as a P2R.
Apex 446-2X is a really good one.
I use my 6” Vessel variation frequently too.
My go-to is a P2R-ACR bit with anti-cam “teeth” on the tip.
All of these lend themselves to kinda wedging in the screw.
I find in general use they just grip better than a regular PH.
-They are a lifesaver on screws that have been painted over, where a regular screwdriver will often slip.
-On certain fasteners they tend to do less damage since they primarily drive the inner portion of the recess.
-I have also found the smaller diameter more favorable to work at a slight angle, like when access to the fastener is off center which usually causes a regular PH to camout. Similar to how a ball-end hex/torx works. Like when replacing a door knob.
P2R-ACR in the middle:
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jblnut
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I also thought about a different #2 at first and agree that having your #2’s in a group VS all over the place is a good thing.
Beerhippie
Well-known member
Before Torx became a thing, the reduced #2 Phillips was a life-saver on construction sites.I have wished for years that one of the quality screwdriver manufacturers would make a reduced tip profile PH screwdriver set.
I’ll often use a reduced tip bit. Generically known as a P2R.
Apex 446-2X is a really good one.
I use my 6” Vessel variation frequently too.
My go-to is a P2R-ACR bit with anti-cam “teeth” on the tip.
All of these lend themselves to kinda wedging in the screw.
I find in general use they just grip better than a regular PH.
-They are a lifesaver on screws that have been painted over, where a regular screwdriver will often slip.
-On certain fasteners they tend to do less damage since they primarily drive the inner portion of the recess.
-I have also found the smaller diameter more favorable to work at a slight angle, like when access to the fastener is off center which usually causes a regular PH to camout. Similar to how a ball-end hex/torx works. Like when replacing a door knob.
P2R-ACR in the middle: